Quick Answer
Hummingbird cake does need to be refrigerated if it contains ingredients like eggs, dairy, and cream cheese frosting that can spoil at room temperature. Freshly baked hummingbird cakes should be refrigerated within 2 hours of baking. Leftover slices should also be stored in the fridge. Refrigeration prevents bacterial growth and keeps the cake moist and tasty for 3-5 days. Hummingbird cake can be frozen for 2-3 months.
What is Hummingbird Cake?
Hummingbird cake is a layered spice cake made with bananas, pineapple, cinnamon, and nuts. It originated in Jamaica but became popular in the Southern United States in the late 1970s. The cake has a very moist, dense texture thanks to the mashed ripe bananas. It is flavored with spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch. The cake layers are filled and frosted with a tangy cream cheese frosting or sometimes left unfrosted.
Main Ingredients
A classic hummingbird cake contains:
- Ripe bananas – 3-4 large bananas, mashed
- Pineapple – one 8-ounce can crushed pineapple with juice
- Vegetable oil – typically 1/2 cup
- Eggs – usually 2-3 eggs
- Vanilla extract – 1-2 teaspoons
- All-purpose flour – around 2 cups
- White sugar – 1 to 1 1/4 cups
- Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon
- Chopped nuts – 1 cup pecans or walnuts
The tangy cream cheese frosting is made with:
- Cream cheese – one 8-ounce package, softened
- Butter – 1/2 cup, softened
- Confectioners’ sugar – 3 to 4 cups
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Does Hummingbird Cake Need Refrigeration?
Yes, hummingbird cake does need to be refrigerated for food safety and optimal taste. There are several reasons why it requires refrigeration:
Contains Perishable Dairy and Eggs
Hummingbird cake contains dairy products like milk, butter, cream cheese and eggs. These ingredients can easily spoil at room temperature and allow dangerous bacteria to grow. Keeping the cake refrigerated prevents foodborne illnesses.
Has a Cream Cheese Frosting
The rich cream cheese frosting also has dairy ingredients that need refrigeration. If left unrefrigerated, the frosting can soften, melt, weep, or develop mold.
Moist Cake Texture
The pineapple and mashed bananas give hummingbird cake a very moist crumb. This moisture is ideal for bacterial growth at room temperature. Refrigeration keeps the cake fresh.
High Sugar Content
Hummingbird cakes are sweetened with approximately 1 to 1 1/4 cups of granulated white sugar. The high sugar content and moisture also makes an ideal environment for microbial growth if unrefrigerated.
How Long Can Hummingbird Cake Stay at Room Temperature?
Hummingbird cake should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines:
- Baked egg dishes and cream-filled pastries should not be left out more than 2 hours at room temperature.
- Bacteria grows rapidly between temperatures of 40°F and 140°F. This range is known as the “Danger Zone”.
- Leaving food in the danger zone for more than 2 hours allows bacteria to multiply quickly.
So for food safety, hummingbird cake should go straight from the oven into the fridge within 2 hours of baking. Do not leave it sitting on the counter overnight.
Any leftovers should also be refrigerated within 2 hours. Discard leftovers that have been left out longer.
How to Refrigerate Hummingbird Cake
Follow these tips for properly refrigerating hummingbird cake:
Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Refrigerating
Do not place a warm cake directly into the refrigerator or freezer. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 1-2 hours first. Covering the cake with plastic wrap can help retain moisture as it cools.
Placing a warm cake into the fridge can lead to condensation, making the cake soggy. It can also impact the fridge temperature if too warm.
Refrigerate in Airtight Container
Once cooled, store the hummingbird cake in an airtight container, cake dome, or loosely covered in plastic wrap. This prevents the cake from absorbing fridge odors and drying out.
Refrigerate Cake Layers Separately
If the cake is layered, refrigerate each layer separately. Place parchment paper between the layers so they don’t stick together. Tightly cover the frosted cake or frosting container.
Slice and Serve Refrigerated Cake Cold
For best texture and taste, hummingbird cake should be well chilled when slicing and serving. Cut thin slices and do not leave the cake sitting out. Refrigerate any leftovers.
How Long Does Hummingbird Cake Last in the Fridge?
Properly stored, hummingbird cake will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Here are some general guidelines for fridge life:
- Unfrosted cake layers: 3-5 days
- Frosted cake: 2-3 days
- Cream cheese frosting: 5-7 days
- Leftover sliced cake: 3-4 days
The cake stays moist thanks to the banana and pineapple. But after 3-5 days, it will start to stale and absorb fridge odors. The nuts can become soggy.
Discard any cake that develops mold, smells bad, or looks dried out. Don’t take chances with old cake that could make you sick.
Can You Freeze Hummingbird Cake?
Yes, hummingbird cake can be frozen for longer term storage. Here are some tips:
Steps for Freezing:
- Let cake layers cool completely after baking.
- Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Place in freezer bags or airtight containers. Remove as much air as possible.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months at 0°F.
Thawing:
- Thaw cake overnight in the refrigerator.
- To serve, unwrap and frost with cream cheese frosting.
- Refrigerate any leftovers.
The banana and pineapple flavors will start to diminish after about 2 months. For best quality and food safety, use frozen hummingbird cake within 3 months.
Can You Store Hummingbird Cake at Room Temperature?
Hummingbird cake should never be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours after baking. Storing it on the counter or pantry will allow dangerous bacterial growth.
The ingredients and moist texture make it highly perishable:
- Eggs, dairy products, and cream cheese frosting will spoil.
- The tropical fruits provide moisture for bacterial growth.
- Mold can develop quickly on the sugary frosting.
For food safety, always refrigerate or freeze hummingbird cakes. Only remove slices as needed and refrigerate leftovers immediately.
Signs Your Hummingbird Cake Has Spoiled
Check refrigerated hummingbird cake daily and look for these signs of spoilage:
- Mold growth – discard cake immediately if you see fuzzy mold.
- Dry, cracked appearance – this indicates staling.
- Soggy texture – the cake shouldn’t be mushy.
- Weeping frosting – this signals the frosting has broken down.
- Off odors – smelly, sour, or yeasty odors mean the cake is spoiled.
- Odd flavors – the cake shouldn’t taste bitter, fermented, or rancid.
Don’t taste questionable cake. When in doubt, throw it out. Food poisoning is not worth the risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you store hummingbird cake at room temperature after baking?
No, hummingbird cake should be refrigerated within 2 hours of baking for food safety. Do not leave it on the counter overnight.
How long can frosted hummingbird cake be left out?
Frosted hummingbird cake should not sit at room temperature longer than 2 hours. Refrigerate within this time frame.
Can you refrigerate just the cream cheese frosting?
Yes, store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.
Do you have to refrigerate Jamaican black cake?
Yes, Jamaican black cake contains perishable ingredients like fruit, rum, and eggs that require refrigeration. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Can you freeze a baked cream cheese frosted cake?
Yes, cream cheese frosted cakes can be frozen for 2-3 months. Wrap layers securely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before decorating.
| Cake Type | Room Temperature Storage | Refrigerator Storage | Freezer Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Cake Layers | 2 hours | 3-5 days | 2-3 months |
| Frosted Cake | 2 hours | 2-3 days | Yes |
| Cream Cheese Frosting | 2 hours | 5-7 days | No |
Conclusion
In summary, hummingbird cake does require refrigeration due to its egg, dairy, and cream cheese frosting ingredients. Freshly baked cakes should be refrigerated within 2 hours of coming out of the oven. Tightly cover and store cake layers and frosting separately in the fridge. Refrigerate any leftovers as well. With proper refrigeration, hummingbird cake stays moist and delicious for 3-5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cake for 2-3 months. Be sure to discard any cake that shows signs of spoilage like mold growth. Follow these refrigeration guidelines for safely enjoying tasty hummingbird cake.